House Manager

Summary

Brian Gner, a house manager, shares his passion for problem-solving and audience care in theater management. As a liaison between production and staff, he ensures a seamless Broadway experience. With a background in security and Marine Corps discipline, Gner's journey to managing theaters was unexpected. His responsibilities include safety checks, overseeing staff, and handling VIP guests like Michelle Obama. He finds joy in the theater's evolving energy and the camaraderie among the 'theater family,' highlighting the dynamic nature of each production and the excitement of opening nights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brian Gner finds satisfaction in solving problems and making patrons happy.
• 🏢 As a house manager, Brian is responsible for the daily operations of the theater and acts as a liaison between the production company and the Shubert Organization.
• 👥 The house manager's role also includes taking care of the audience and ensuring they can enjoy a Broadway show, addressing any issues that arise.
• 🔗 Brian emphasizes the importance of coordinating various departments in the theater to create a seamless experience for the audience.
• 🔑 He carries two fire licenses, which involves ensuring fire doors are unlocked and exits are clear, highlighting the safety responsibilities of his role.
• 🚑 Brian has had to evacuate the theater for a fire condition successfully, underlining the seriousness of safety protocols.
• 🌟 He mentions handling high-profile guests like Michelle Obama, requiring high security and discretion.
• 🕺 The energy of the theater changes depending on the audience and the size, with full houses being ideal for the cast's performance.
• 🎭 The audience composition evolves over the life of a production, starting with VIPs and ending with tourists and local patrons.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Brian values the sense of family in the theater, with everyone looking out for one another.
• 🎉 He finds the production period, including the first run-through and opening night, to be the most interesting part of working in the theater.

Q & A

What does Brian Gner find most satisfying in his role as a house manager?

Brian Gner finds solving problems successfully and making an unhappy patron happy to be the most satisfying aspects of his role.

What is the primary responsibility of a house manager in a theater?

A house manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the theater, acting as a liaison between the production company and the staff, and ensuring the audience's enjoyment of the Broadway show.

How does a house manager ensure the audience's safety during a Broadway show?

A house manager ensures the audience's safety by checking that all fire doors are unlocked, fire exits are unobstructed, and by signing a log to confirm these checks.

What was Brian Gner's initial role in the theater industry?

Brian Gner started in the theater industry in January 1990 as a security staff member for the Shubert Organization, working on 'Miss Saigon'.

How did Brian Gner transition from security to a house manager role?

Brian Gner's transition began with a conversation with Mr. Shanfeld, the late chairman of the board, who took a liking to Brian's professionalism. This led to Brian expressing his interest in managing a theater, which eventually materialized.

What was the first theater that Brian Gner managed?

Brian Gner managed the Schubert theater, starting in the middle of the run for the show 'Crazy for You'.

What are some of the shows that Brian Gner has managed at the theater?

Brian Gner has managed shows such as 'Big the Musical', 'Chicago', 'Gypsy' with Bernadette Peters, 'Spamalot', and the current production 'Memphis'.

What is the significance of the fog that Brian Gner signs?

The fog is an English composition book that serves as an official log, which cannot be tampered with, and is used to document the safety checks performed by the house manager.

How does Brian Gner describe the experience of having to evacuate a theater due to a fire?

Brian Gner describes it as a scary and nerve-wracking experience, emphasizing the importance of not making any mistakes, especially with celebrities or dignitaries present.

What is the typical work schedule like for a house manager and theater staff?

The work schedule typically starts around 6:30 PM, with ushers, front of house staff, bartenders, and stage crew reporting to work at this time. The house manager usually does a walk-through of the theater to ensure safety.

How does Brian Gner perceive the dynamic of working in a theater?

Brian Gner perceives the dynamic as being part of one big family, where everyone looks out for each other, and each production brings a new and interesting dynamic to the theater.